Having given up this activity, the Arts Society (national body) has recently agreed to its re-introduction.  After a gap of about 5 years, TAST is working to re-establishing church recording as one of our volunteering activities.  It is being planned in conjunction with the Arts Society, Exeter.

The purposes of church recording are:-

1. to raise awareness of the heritage within churches and to help safeguard it for future generations.

2. to make our shared heritage more accessible to the public.

Church recording involves making a detailed record of the contents of a church. It covers all aspects of the Church’s physical assets.

It is planned meet twice a month at the church we are recording.  Currently, that will St Mary’s, Poltimore village.  The volunteers will decide on which day of the week to do this at their first meeting.

No specialist skills are required.  Enthusiasm and an interest in history are what matter most.  Basic computer skills and a keen eye for detail are also helpful.

Practical training will take place during church recording sessions. The newly updated Church Recording Handbook is now online at theartssociety.org/church-recording-resources.  Also, copies of “Inside Churches Guide to Church Furnishings””, the NADFAS “bible” for all Church Recorders, will be available.

If you could like to learn more or even to volunteer to join, please email "churchrecorder@theartssocietytopsham.org.uk".